Ken Livingstone has published a number of “detailed implications” of the construction of Crossrail which was given its go-ahead earlier this month and confirmed management details for the project.
In a statement issued today Mayor Livingstone said the scheme “will mean many more people will travel by public transport to the primary business centres of London – the City, West End and Canary Wharf. Crossrail will also underpin the regeneration of East London – at, around and along the routes that connect with Stratford, Custom House, Woolwich and Whitechapel.”
The statement says:
“Construction of Crossrail will take 10 years and I am therefore determined that the whole capital plans to take advantage of this.
Beginning with the primary task – ensuring that Crossrail is delivered on time and to budget – I can confirm key arrangements.
As has already been announced, Transport for London will take over sole ownership of Cross London Rail Links Limited – the company promoting and developing Crossrail – when the Crossrail Bill receives Royal Assent next year. Currently it is a joint venture between TfL and the Department for Transport.
Second, I can confirm that all Crossrail services are programmed to come into operation over the course of twelve months from 2017. This includes the south-east section down to Abbey Wood, which is vital to open up the Thames Gateway.
The start and subsequent build-up of services within that twelve month period will be phased to allow time for rolling stock and railway systems testing to ensure reliability. The line will be integrated into TfL’s existing zonal system, all existing ticketing options such as Oyster will apply, and a premium fare above TfL zonal ones will only operate for the extension to Heathrow.
Third, as Doug Oakervee has outlined, I am determined to ensure that people living in East London can take up the thousands of jobs that Crossrail will offer – Cross London Rail Links Limited has estimated that as many as 14,000 jobs will be created, many of these in the construction industry.
I will ensure that the relevant agencies in London provide the right training and opportunities so that Londoners from all its diverse communities have the chance to work on this flagship project.“
